IRJET- Mechanical Behavior of Coconut Shell Powder Filled with Sisal Fiber, Reinforced Epoxy Hybrid Composites

International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET) e-ISSN: 2395-0056
Volume: 07 Issue: 01 | Jan 2020 www.irjet.net p-ISSN: 2395-0072
© 2020, IRJET | Impact Factor value: 7.34 | ISO 9001:2008 Certified Journal | Page 1716
Mechanical Behavior of Coconut Shell Powder Filled with Sisal Fiber,
Reinforced Epoxy Hybrid Composites
Venkat Ramanan. A1, Saravanakumar. S2, Sasikumar. S3
1Assistant Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Mahendra Engineering College, India
2,3Student, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Mahendra Engineering College, India
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Abstract - Natural fiber-reinforcedpolymercomposite materialsisrapidlygrowing bothintermsoftheir industrialapplications
and fundamental research. They are renewable, cheap, completely or partially recyclable, and biodegradable. The natural fiber-
containing composites are more environmentally friendly, and are used in transportation (automobiles, railway coaches,
aerospace), military applications, building and construction industries (ceiling paneling, partition boards), packaging, consumer
products, etc The aim of the research paper is to study the mechanical behavior of compressionmoldedcoconutshellpowder/sisal
fiber reinforced epoxy matrix for various weight percentages. The specimens are prepared for testing as per ASTM standards to
estimate the mechanical properties. The fiber taken as sisal-35%, epoxy taken as 65% and coconutshellpowdertakenas(0%, 5%,
10%, 15%).Mechanical characterization was done and a comparison was made between different samples. Thenconductvarious
useful mechanical tests with this composite specimen.
Key Words: Coconut shell powder, Sisal fiber, Epoxy resin, Hardener and Renewable.
1. INTRODUCTION
Composites are made by combining two or more natural or artificial materials to maximize their useful properties and
minimize their weaknesses. One of the oldest and best-knowncomposites,glass-fibers reinforcedplastic(GRP),combinesglass
fibers (which are strong but brittle) with plastic (which is flexible) to make a composite material that is tough but not brittle.
Composites are typically used in place of metals because they are equally strong but much lighter. Most composites consist of
fibers of one material tightly bound into another material called a matrix. The fibers are typically glass,carbon,siliconcarbide,
or asbestos, while the matrix is usually plastic, metal, or a ceramic material (though materials such as concrete may also be
used)
1.1 HYBRID COMPOSITE
Hybrid composites are more advanced composites as compared to conventional FRP composites. Hybridscanhavemorethan
one reinforcing phase and a single matrix phase or single reinforcingphasewithmultiplematrixphasesormultiple reinforcing
and multiple matrix phases. They have better flexibility as compared to otherfiberreinforcedcomposites.Normallyitcontains
a high modulus fiber with low modulus fiber.
2. MATERIAL USED
Materials used in this experimental work are: Epoxy resin, Hardener, Coconut shell powder and Sisal fibers
2.1 EPOXY RESINS
Epoxy resin Araldite LY 556 an unmodified epoxy resin based on Biphenyl l-A supplied by (CIBA GUGYE limited) having the
following outstanding properties has been used as the matrix material. Excellent adhesion to different materials, High
resistance to chemical and atmospheric attack. High dimensional stability. Free from internal stresses. Excellent mechanical
and electrical properties. Odorless, tasteless and completely nontoxic. Negligible shrinkage.
2.2 HARDENER
Hardener HY951, aliphatic Primary amines which has a viscosity of 10-20 MPa at 250 c is used along with the matrix material.
2.3 COCONUT SHELL POWDER
Coconut shell powder made from the most versatile part of the coconut shell which is organic in nature. Since it is good
durability characteristics, high toughness and abrasion resistant properties, it is suitable for long standing use. The shell

similar to hard woods in chemical composition although lignin content is higher and cellulose content is lower. The cleaned
coconut shells were cut into small pieces by using hammer. These small pieces were then grounded into powder form by a
using a jaw crusher and ball milling. The collected powder was then sieved to different mesh sizes. The particlesize chosen for
the experiments was -90 to +45 microns collected from mesh sizes of between 40 to 70 due to its highest weight percentage
among all size.
Fig -1: Coconut Shell Powder
2.4 SISAL FIBERS
Sisal is a natural fiber (Scientific name is Agave sisalana) of Agavaceae (Agave) family yields a stiff fiber traditionally used
in making twine and rope. Sisal is fully biodegradable and highly renewable resource of energy. Sisal fiber is exceptionally
durable and a low maintenance with minimal wear.
Fig -2: Sisal Fiber
2.5 COMPRESSION MOULDING TECHNIQUES
In this thesis we are trying to build a metal part in composite for the formula SAE team which wouldreduce weight andbenefit
the team. A process should be selected which is capable of reducing the lead time and capable ofproducingintricate partswith
strength properties matching the existing grade aluminum. Refer Appendix B for detailed process review available for
thermoset composites. Compression molding process is a suitableprocessforthedefinedrequirements.Compressionmolding
primarily utilizes short fibers. Continuous fiber also can be molded but a perform is madepriortotheprocessinordertoavoid
fiber damage. Compression molding process lead to quicker cycle times and intricate shapes can be processed along with ribs
and bosses.
2.6 PROCESS DESCRIPTION
Compression molding is a closed mold process. It consists of matched die molds. Two molds (Male and Female) are provided
with heating and cooling sources. Ejector pins are placed in the bottom mold to facilitate the component removal. Sheet
molding compound also called as charge is the raw material for this process. Charge is cutinpredeterminedshapesandplaced
in the mold. Compression molding employs a heated mold for curing the sheet molding compoundinthemold.Charge whichis
in semi cured stage is placed in the mold and the mold is closed by bringing downthemalemoldandfemalemoldtogether.The
charge is squeezed and allowed to flow inside the cavity. Due to the heat source in the mold the charge gets heated and the
viscosity drops thereby starts flowing inside the cavity.Themoldingprocessrequires highpressuressothemoldsaremounted
in big presses. The presses enable rapid curing cycles and highproductionvolume.Becauseofthisadvantagethisishighlyused
in automotive industry where there is a need for high volume process. Part repeatability is better than the other composite
processes.
2.7 POLYMER-HARDNER MIXTURE PREPARATION
For the making of good composite the measurement of the samplesshouldbeaccurate andthemixtureshouldbeveryuniform.
We take accurate amount of polymer which we have calculated earlier and 10% of its hardener. Then this mixture is stirred
thoroughly till it becomes a bit warm. Bit extra amount of hardener is taken for the wastage in the process. Hardener should
taken very minutely because little extra amount of hardener can spoil the composite.
Table -1: MATERIAL USE FOR CURRENT STUDY
SL.NO MATRIX FIBER FILLER
1 Epoxy resin
(65wt %)
Sisal fiber
(35wt %)
Coconut shell powder
(0wt %)
2 Epoxy resin Sisal fiber Coconut shell powder

3. MECHANICAL TESTING PROCEDURE
Tensile testing, Impact testing and Bending testing.
3.1 TENSILE TEST (ASTM 790)
A material is gripped at both ends by an apparatus,whichslowlypullslengthwiseonthepieceuntilitfractures.The
pulling force is called a load, which is plotted against the material length change, or displacement. The load is
converted to a stress value and the displacement is converted to a strain value.
Fig – 3: Tensile Testing Machine
3.2 IZOD IMPACT TESTING
Izod impact testing is an ASTM standard method of determiningtheimpactresistance ofmaterials.Apivotingarmisraisedtoa
specific height (constant potential energy) and then released. The arm swings down hitting a notched sample, breaking the
specimen. The energy absorbed by the sample is calculated from the height the arm swings to after hitting the sample. A
notched sample is generally used to determine impact energy and notch sensitivity.
Fig -4: Izod Testing Machine
(60wt %) (35wt %) (5wt %)
3 Epoxy resin
(55wt %)
Sisal fiber
(35wt %)
(10wt %)
4 Epoxy resin
(50wt %)
Sisal fiber
(35wt %)
(15wt %)

3.3 BENDING TESTING
In a 3-point bend test, the convex side of the sheet or plate is placed in tension, and the outer fibers are subjected to
maximum stress and strain. Failure will occur when the strain or elongation exceeds the material's limits. Fracture
toughness can be determined using a three-point flexural test.
Fig -5: Three point Bending Test
3.4 TENSILE TEST
Fig -6: Before Break
Fig -7: After Break
3.5 RESULT
By the result of tensile test peak load and brake load are plotted. And also by impact test the result of peak load are plotted.

Fig -8: Tensile properties of sisal (35%) / coconut shell powder (0%) / epoxy (65%)
Fig -9: Tensile properties of sisal (35%) / coconut shell powder (5%)/ epoxy (65%)
Fig -10: Tensile properties of sisal (35%) / coconut shell powder (10%)/ epoxy (55%)
Fig -11: Tensile properties of sisal (35%) / coconut shell powder (15%)/epoxy (50%)

3.6 TENSILE TEST – Conclusion:
The plot shows that, the maximum tensile strength is obtained for the composite prepared with (35%) / coconut shell
powder (10%)/ epoxy (55%).
4.0 IZOD TEST
Fig- 12: Before Break
Fig-13: After Break
4.1 RESULTS
Table-2: Izod Impact Result
Sample Izod Impact Value in J for 3mm Thickness
1 1.40
2 0.35
3 0.65
4 0.80

5. BENDING TEST
Fig-14 Before Break
Fig-15 After Break
5.1 RESULT
By the result of flexural load is plotted.
Fig-16 Flexural properties of sisal (35%) / coconut shell powder (0%) / epoxy (65%)

Fig -17 Flexural properties of sisal (35%) / coconut shell powder (5%)/ epoxy (65%)
Fig -18 Flexural properties of sisal (35%) / coconut shell powder (10%)/ epoxy (55%)
Fig -19 Flexural properties of sisal (35%) / coconut shell powder (15%)/epoxy (50%)
6.1 FLEXURAL TEST – CONCLUSION:
The plot shows that, the maximum flexural strength is obtained for the composite prepared with sisal (35%) / coconutshell
powder (10%)/ epoxy (55%)

7. CONCLUSION
By doing literature survey idea about types, structure, advantages and application of composite material has been obtained.
This has been needed for developing composite material using coconut shell powder and sisal fiber along with epoxy matrix
material. By using this information bilateral composite specimen of size 27cm×27cm has been manufactured. Experiments
were conducted on coconut shell powder / sisal fiber laminate composite specimens with varying fiber weight percentage to
evaluate the tensile properties.
8. REFERENCE
[1] Anonymous. 1978. Composite sisal mat-glass mesh reinforcement for cast plaster panels-for high key and strength
properties.
[2] Bisanda, E.T.N.; Ansell, M.P. 1992. Properties of sisal-CNSL composites. Journal of Materials Science.
[3] Girisha.C, Sanjeevamurthy, Gunti Ranga Srinivas Sisal/Coconut Coir Natural Fibers – EpoxyComposites:Water Absorption
and Mechanical Properties.
[4]Pavithran, C.; Mukherjee, P.S.; Brahmakumar,M.; Damodaran, A.D. 1991. Impact properties of sisal glass hybrid laminates.
Journal of Materials Science.
[5] J. Sarki, S.B. Hassan V.S. Aigbodion J.E. Oghenevweta “Potential of using coconut shell particle fillers in eco-composite
materials,” Journal of Alloys and Compounds 509 (2011) 2381-2385.
[6] P.B. Madakson D.S. Yawas and A. Apasi “Characterization of Coconut Shell Ash for Potential Utilization in Metal Matrix
Composites for Automotive Applications,” International Journal of Engineering Science and Technology (IJEST), Vol. 4 No. 03
March 2012.
[7]Satyanarayana, K.G.; Kulkarni, A.G.; Sukumaran,K; Pillai, S.K.G.; Cherian, K.A.; Rohatgi, P.K. 1981. On the possibility of using
natural fiber composites. In: Marshall,I.H.,ed.Proceedingsofthe1stinternational conferenceoncompositestructures.London,
England: Elsevier Applied Science Publications.

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IRJET- Mechanical Behavior of Coconut Shell Powder Filled with Sisal Fiber, Reinforced Epoxy Hybrid Composites